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Social Policy Before the Next Referendum

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In the recent referendum, the Oui side argued that Canada no longer would provide good social programs and that only an independent Quebec would support a strong social security system. The current decentralization of social programs worked against Canadian unity in the last referendum; why would more decentralization be a big winner in the next referendum? The way to win the next referendum is to show that a united Canada can provide better social programs. This is not achieved through slogans about ‘decentralization’ or ‘centralization.’ For some programs, decentralization makes sense; others should be centralized; and for still others, responsibility should be shared. For example, labour market development programs, such as training and job placement, should be decentralized; Unemployment Insurance should remain federally administered; and both levels of government should remain involved in medicare.

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Maytree is committed to advancing systemic solutions to poverty and strengthening civic communities. We believe the most enduring way to fix the systems that create poverty is to have economic and social rights safeguarded for all people living in Canada.